
Difference Between Visa and Work Permit
- A Visa is a travel document to enter into the country whereas a work permit is a job authorization letter from any company.
- Visa and work permit expiry and renewal need very critical attention.
- Immigration visas, businessmen and study visas have greater benefits than work permit but they are more expensive.
- Work permits are distributed free. ...
Full Answer
How do you get a work visa?
Typical requirements for work visas often include:
- Your Passport. Make sure your passport is signed, has blank visa pages, and will be valid for at least one year.
- Passport-style photographs. ...
- Visa application. ...
- Proof of your job offer.
- Your resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- A copy of your diploma. ...
- Copies of any professional certifications or licenses.
How to obtain a work visa?
In general, the following documents are required:
- Passport (s) valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States, unless longer validity is specifically requested by the U.S. ...
- Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. ...
- Two (2) 2x2 photographs. ...
- Civil Documents for the applicant. ...
How to get a work permit?
Requirements vary from state to state, but in general, here's what you will need to get a work permit and to get it approved:
- Obtain working papers/certificate application from your school or state department of labor.
- Obtain a certificate of physical fitness from your doctor. You may need to have had a physical within the last year.
- Bring the completed application with proof of age (copy of birth certificate, a school record, school identification, driver's license, or another document that lists your age) to either your school ...
- A parent or guardian probably will need to accompany you to submit the papers and sign the application. They also may need to accompany you to obtain the papers.
- Each certificate varies, but generally, you will be asked to give information such as your full name, date of birth, grade completed, and your parents’/guardians’ names.
- Often, the certificate will expire after a certain period of time. Most are valid for about one year.
- If you misplace your working papers, you can request a duplicate copy from the office that issued it.
What are the requirements for a visa?
- A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
- Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements
- A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa)
- Payment of the prescribed fee
- A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required)

What does work permit visa means?
A visa is an official stamp in your passport authorizing you to travel, work, or study in that country for a specified length of time. All countries, including the US, require a work permit visa for foreign workers; employers will not hire you without one.
What type of visa is work permit?
The L-1 U.S. work visa is sub-categorized into L-1A (managerial/executive capacity) and L-1B (specialized knowledge) visas. In addition to for-profit multinational companies, nonprofit, religious, and charitable organizations may utilize the L-1 type of work visa.
What is the difference between a visa and a work permit?
The difference between visa and work permit is that visa is a document acquired by an individual to enter a specific country whereas work permit is an employment letter issued by an employer to the employee needed for entering the country.
How does work visa work?
Temporary worker visas are for persons who want to enter the United States for employment lasting a fixed period of time, and are not considered permanent or indefinite. Each of these visas requires the prospective employer to first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What are the 4 types of visa?
Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
How long is a work visa good for?
Non-Immigrant Work Visas H-1B visas are valid for the length of the employment contract, up to six years. Extensions beyond six years are unusual unless either the worker or employer pursues an adjustment of status from non-immigrant to immigrant, which would signal the intention of applying for a green card.
Do I need visa if I have work permit?
No. Depending on your citizenship, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa, as well as a work permit. Your eTA or visa will be issued to you at the same time as your work permit. You do not need to apply separately or to pay an additional fee.
What is the benefit of having a work permit?
A work permit, known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is a simple card the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued to foreign nationals, which authorizes them to work in the U.S. If you have a work permit, you are allowed to legally work in the U.S. without restrictions or ...
Is a work visa permanent?
Permanent work visas enable foreign nationals to work and live permanently in the United States. Permanent residents are subjected to fewer restrictions than workers with temporary visas. People with a permanent work visa can also apply for U.S. citizenship.
Is it hard to get a work visa?
Don't be intimidated by a long visa process—it'll pay off (sometimes literally). The work visa application process varies depending on your nationality and destination, but usually you'll need to first secure a job offer and sponsorship. Depending on your destination, you may also need to prove residency.
How many types of work permits are there?
There are seven main types of work permits: Hot Work Permits, Cold Work Permits, Confined Spaces Work Permits, Chemical Work Permits, Height Work Permit, and Excavation Permit. Each work permit is categorized depending on the nature of the job and the hazard involved in it.
How long does it take to get a work visa?
about two to seven monthsHow Long Does It Take to Get a Work Visa? In general, it takes about two to seven months for the USCIS to process a work permit application. The time your work visa processes will highly depend on the type of visa you applied for. However, with extensive backlogs, there are longer wait times for obtaining work visas.
What is B1 and B2 visa?
B1 and B2 visas are generally referred to as “B visas”, and they are the most common types of visa issued for a wide range of uses in the United States. The B1 visa is issued mainly for short-term business trips, while the B2 visa is issued mainly traveling for tourism purposes.
What is l1 visa in USA?
L-1A and L-1B visas may be issued when an employer files a petition to obtain authorization for qualified employees to be allowed to work and live in the United States. The L-1A visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions in a company that is located outside the United States.
Can B1 B2 visa holder get work permit?
An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
What is h1 and H4 visa?
H1B visas are meant for people who have a degree and want to work in the United States. 1. The visa allows them to get a job in the same field as their degree. Meanwhile, the H4 visa is something that allows you to bring your family to the States.
What is a work visa?
A work visa is a type of visa that grants the holder authorization to accept employment in a foreign country. It may be issued as a stamp in the passport or as a separate document.
Which countries have electronic visas?
Examples include New Zealand and Canada.
Do work visas vary?
The rules regarding work visas vary depending on the country of issue.
Who is eligible for a Work Permit?
Many immigrants can apply for a Work Permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS provides detailed information about who is eligible to work in the U.S. on its website. Eligible immigrants include:
How do I switch or renew my Work Permit?
Citizen. You could also come on a Work Visa and end up getting a job with a company other than the one that initially sponsored you. Whatever the case, if you have a status that allows you to work and you want to switch to another status for any reason, you will need to submit a new Form I-765.
What should I do if USCIS denies my Work Permit application?
There are three main reasons that USCIS might reject your Work Permit application:
What is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
Immigrants living in the United States, and foreign nationals who want to come to the United States, cannot work unless they receive permission from the United States government. That permission comes in the form of an Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). EAD's are more commonly known as "Work Permits." Work Permits are photo identification cards issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and they look a lot like a driver's license.
What is a work permit?
A work permit is an official document that authorizes its holder to seek and take employment in a foreign country legally.
Who can have employment authorization?
Individuals, who have been admitted as permanent residents, granted asylum or refugee status, or admitted in work-related nonimmigrant classifications, may have employment authorization as a direct result of their immigration status. Other aliens may need to apply individually for Employment Authorization Document. ...
Do foreigners have to work in the US?
These include artists, researchers, cultural exchange participants, information technology specialists, religious workers, investors, scientists, athletes, nurses, agricultural workers and others. All foreign workers must obtain permission to work legally in the United States. Each employment category for admission has different requirements, conditions and authorized periods of stay.
How to apply for a work permit?
Employment Authorization Document (Work Permit) is applied for by using USCIS Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The application is submitted, together with supporting documentation, to the office with jurisdiction over the category that you qualify for. This could include one of the USCIS Service Centers, the National Benefits Center, or in some cases with the US State Department (who will then forward the application to the USCIS).
How to get a work visa in the US?
A foreign national who seeks to enter the US on a work visa must obtain a US visa stamp from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which is placed on the applicant’s passport . The US visa allows the foreign national to travel to a US port of entry, airport or land border crossing and request permission to enter the US. While the US visa does not guarantee entry to the US, it does indicate that a consular officer at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined that the foreign is eligible to seek entry into the US for a specific purpose.
What are the different types of work visas?
There are many types of US work visa, each suited for a specific purpose of travel and/or nature of employment. The most common types are: 1 H-1B Visa for Specialty Occupations workers 2 H-1B1 Visa for Specialty Occupations workers from Chile or Singapore 3 H-2A Visa for Temporary Agricultural workers 4 H-2B Visa for Temporary Non-agricultural workers 5 E-1 Visa for Treaty Traders 6 E-2 Visa for Treaty Investors 7 E-3 Visa for Specialty Occupation workers from Australia 8 TN Visa for NAFTA professional workers from Canada and Mexico 9 P Visa for Athletes, Artists, Entertainers 10 Visa for Extraordinary Artists, Teachers, Scientists and Businesspersons 11 J visa for Exchange Visitors 12 R Visa for Religious workers
What is a temporary visa?
A temporary US work visa allows an individual to enter the US to take up employment as opposed to, for example, a US visitor visa, which is issued for the purpose of visiting the US.
What form do I need to file to get a work permit?
In order to obtain the work permit, the eligible foreign national must file the Form I-765 with USCIS while present in the U.S.
Do you need an EAD for a work visa?
are authorized to work incident to their status. That means they are authorized to work because they hold the particular work visa status and do not need a separate EAD or work permit.
Can a foreigner work in the US?
The US work permit allows foreign nationals to work in the U.S. for any employer, generally without restriction. Obtaining a work permit from USCIS denotes that the foreign national is in the U.S. in a status that makes him or her eligible for the work permit.
What is a work visa?
A work visa is a type of employment permit that gives someone permission to take a job in a different country. An employee may need an employment visa as well as an additional work permit that allows them to pursue a career in a specific country.
How many types of work visas are there?
Here is an overview of 10 different types of work visas, including both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas:
What is a nonimmigrant visa?
This nonimmigrant visa is for people who have extraordinary skills within their field. To demonstrate that they are extraordinary at their job, they need to be able to show that they're at the top of their field and known nationally or internationally for their achievements.
What are the criteria for an immigrant visa?
These include awards, membership in associations, a high salary, publications about you or your work, publication in scholarly journals, original contributions to your field, exhibitions of your work and judging the work of others, among other criteria.
How long do you have to work for a foreign company to get a visa?
In order for the employee to qualify, they need to have worked for the foreign company for one continuous year within a three-year period prior to entering the U.S. It's important to note that there are two categories for this type of visa: L-1A and L-1B.
What is the age limit for a visa to Australia?
This visa applies only to foreign nationals from Australia, their spouses and any children who are under the age of 21. The applicant must be going to the U.S. to work within a specialty occupation. There are a limited number of these visas issued each year, although the spouse and children of the applicant do not count toward that number. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or the foreign equivalent, have a special skill set that's required to fill a specialty position and have a job offer from a U.S. company.
What is the difference between a visa and a work permit?
Key Difference: VISA stands for Visitor's Intend to Stay Abroad and is a document that gives the person the right to enter or leave the territory for which it was issued. A work permit, on the other hand, is a generic term for any legal authorization which allows a person to take employment.
What is a work permit?
A work permit, on the other hand, is a generic term for any legal authorization which allows a person to take employment.
What is a visa for work?
VISA stands for Visitor's Intend to Stay Abroad and is a document that gives the person the right to enter or leave the territory for which it was issued. A work permit is a generic term for any legal authorization which allows a person to take employment. Purpose.
What is a visa for a new country?
VISA stands for Visitor's Intend to Stay Abroad and is a document that gives the person the right to enter or leave the territory for which it was issued. It is often entered onto the person’s passport and is subject to ...
What does visa stand for in travel?
However, the actual conditions may differ according to country and may change over time. VISA stands for Visitor's Intend to Stay Abroad and is a document that gives the person the right to enter or leave the territory for which it was issued.
Can a citizen of one country enter a reciprocal country without a visa?
However, many countries also have reciprocal treaty arrangements, which allow a citizen of one country to enter the reciprocal country without a visa. However, one must keep in mind that having a visa does not guarantee an entry into the country.
Can a visa be entered on a passport?
It is often entered onto the person’s passport and is subject to the permission of an immigration official at the time of actual entry. There are often various conditions attached to the visa, such as the territory covered by the visa, dates of validity, period of stay, whether the visa is valid for more than one visit, etc.
What is a temporary worker visa?
Temporary worker visas are for persons who want to enter the United States for employment lasting a fixed period of time, and are not considered permanent or indefinite. Each of these visas requires the prospective employer to first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What form do I need to file for a temporary worker visa?
Some temporary worker visa categories require your prospective employer to obtain a labor certification or other approval from the Department of Labor on your behalf before filing the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS. Your prospective employer should review the Instructions for Form I-129 on the USCIS website to determine whether labor certification is required for you.
What form do I need to bring for an L visa?
L Visa Applicants – If you are included in an L blanket petition, you must bring Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to your interview.
What is the purpose of a visa interview?
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
What happens if you try to get a visa?
Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.
